Indiana Jones is sure to be a popular costume choice this year for Halloween, especially since the latest movie in the series was released this last May. To turn yourself into this popular adventure hero, you can purchase a costume at a store or, with a little creativity, you can create one yourself. In order to capture the spirit of Indy, here are a few essentials you’ll need.
The Indiana Jones Hat
The most memorable thing about Indiana Jones’ costume is his fedora. This hat has become such a strong symbol of Indy that makes it a must-have if you are planning a costume based on him. While an authentic Herbert Johnson fedora may be beyond your budget, you may be able to find a reasonable facsimile in a thrift store, or if you have a decent budget to spend, you can get licensed replicas from Stetson. Just be sure that the hat you choose is brown, has a tall, pinched crown, and a wide brim.
The Indiana Jones Whip
The bullwhip is a prop that is a must for any reasonably authentic Indiana Jones costume. While real bullwhips may cost you a small fortune, you may be able to find something similar at a tack shop or online. Just be sure that it’s long enough and authentic looking.
The Indiana Jones Leather Jacket
Indy’s famous leather jacket is a must. While you can get an authentic replica from Peter Botwright, who made the original, this may be a bit beyond some costume budgets. You may be able to find a reasonable stand-in jacket at a used clothing store if you’re lucky. It should be dark brown leather, and should be about waist length. If it looks aged and used, all the better.
The Indiana Jones Accessories
Besides that, a nice pair of taupe pants with pocket flaps on the back and a khaki shirt with chest pockets should help fill in the costume. If you can find an army green satchel, that will work for his shoulder bag. These can sometimes be found easily at army surplus stores, and sometimes they are very elusive. If you can find some light work boots for your feet (if you’re lucky, maybe someone turned in some Alden boots to your local thrift store) and a leather shoulder holster, your costume will be even more complete. And if you need a little help keeping the pants up, Indy’s belt was a standard military-style web belt. Both dark brown and khaki colored belts were used in the movies.
If you can gather some of these costume pieces together, you should make a very passable Indiana Jones this Halloween. Don’t forget to grow a little stubble and to add a few sweat stains to the shirt. That will lend a little authenticity to your costume. After all, adventure and danger is all in a day’s work for Indiana Jones.
